Striving For Perfection

On Saturday we made the journey south to the Iowa City/Coralville area for the Flip For Food Invitational.  Normally I would not consider the roughly 30 miles a journey, but Saturday was different.  The kickoff for the home Hawkeye Football game was at the exact same time as stretching began.  Therefore, it was a journey amongst all of the other Iowans going out to watch the Hawkeyes in their devastating loss to Ohio State.

Background on Kaitlyn's 2010 Season
Kaitlyn is competing Level 6 this season and is off to a rough start.  Taking most of the month of July off due to a broken finger and prior commitments did not help her Level 6 season.  Her bars suffered the worst from her injury, as she could not grip the bar for nearly a month and she was not in the gym for strength and conditioning as she needed to be. 

Saturday's Determining Factor
She started out Saturday's meet competing bars first.  My thoughts as a former gymnast, former coach, and "gym mom" were that starting out the day on bars could go one of two ways, very well or very bad.  So, as a mom I told myself that a good bar routine was the ONLY option.  I watched each gymnast compete their routine and receive their score - the judging seemed pretty fair.  So, near the end of the rotation it was Kaitlyn's turn.  There were many things to be thankful for - she did not stop, she did not fall off, and her form was much better than usual - so it left me hoping for an average score, which it was.  She started out the day on a GOOD note. 

Onto Beam
Next Kaitlyn was moving on to beam, an event that she has the ability to do very well on.  However, for those of you who have been on a balance beam before, you know the one tiny mistep will send you off of the beam and onto the mat.  Before I tell you about her actual routine, let me tell you my thoughts as she approached the beam.  She walked toward the beam for her turn, she looked up into the stands and grinned, and then spent the remainder of her time before presenting to the judge trying to figure out which side of the beam she needed to start on.  I was prepping myself for the worst because she was obviously not concentrating.  The first skill after her mount is a heel-snap-turn (I know, gymnastics lingo, I apologize) - she almost always wobbles on it and sometimes will fall.  She stuck it without a single wobble.  Now I am wondering what the rest of the routine will bring - not a single major wobble in the whole routine and no falls.  Whew, escaped the beam with a 9.0 - 2nd place!!!  WAHOOOOOOO!!!

Finishing the Day
Floor is usually her best event, but Saturday was just average and Vault was about her normal.  Overall, I felt that she had a good day for her.  Her personal all-around score improved from the previous meet by over THREE POINTS!  I love that she has the determination to continue improving her skills and routines rather than just giving up.  This is a true testament to the way that she has been raised, her strong will, and passion for success.  CoNgRaTs KaItLyN on a GREAT Performance!!!

The Holiday Hustle and Bustle

Every year as the holidays approach kitchens fill with the smell of delicious baked goods, kids start making lists and being really well-behaved, parent's schedules seem to be packed, the stores are overflowing with shoppers, and TRAFFIC - let's not get me started on traffic.  It's easy to get caught up in all of the extra hustle and bustle of the season.  Many people get overwhelmed and become short tempered and grumpy. 

I absolutely LOVE the holidays and everything that comes with it.   When I start to feel stressed I remind myself of the "spirit" of the season and how many wonderful things that I am thankful for.  This year I am even more excited than usual because Kaitlyn and Dillon are SO excited. 

Our family decorates for Christmas right after Thanksgiving.  I am looking forward to all of the "help" that I am going to have putting ornaments on the tree and getting the decorations out in the house.  There will be a mixture of feelings when we plug the tree in for the first time.  Kaitlyn will appreciate the whole tree, Dillon will be mesmerized by the lights, Emy will want to put the lights in her mouth (if only she could reach them), and Lucky will be afraid at first. 

During Kaitlyn's break from school next week we are going to sit down and write our letters to Santa.  It's like I am a young child all over again - helping Dillon look through all of the toy catalogs that we have and watching his eyes light up as he says, "I want that.  I want that." 

Christmas Eve night is my absolute favorite part of the holiday season - it is our amazingly simple family ritual that I love so much.  We spend a few hours just driving through neighborhoods looking at different Christmas light displays.  It is peaceful and a non-technology time for our family.  We go to mass on Christmas Eve and it is a BEAUTIFUL mass.  Then it's time to head home and put the kids to bed so Santa can come during the night. 

There are so many great things about the season - my mom's pumpkin bread, all the time with family, the decorations, the lights glistening off of the snow, the bright eyes of young kids, and the celebration of Christ's birth.  I hope you are getting in the holiday spirit - remember to appreciate the meaning of the season and enjoy the hustle and bustle.  Make a to-do list, start on it early, and check things off as you go to keep from feeling overwhelmed and grumpy!!!  May God bless you and your family during this season and always!

Happy Holidays!

Food Fridays - Easy Recipes for the Busy Mom/Dad

Hope that everyone is having a GREAT Friday.  I have some wonderful recipes for you today.  They are proclaimed "easy" recipes for those nights when you are busy or just do not want to cook. 

Hawaiian Chicken
From Loretta's Kitchen

4-6 boneless breast of chicken
1-2 cups of ketchup
1-2 cups of honey
1 can pineapple rings
Marachino cherries (optional)
2 pouches Success White Rice

Mix 1-2 cups of ketchup with 1-2 cups of Honey
Place chicken breast in a 9x11 casserole dish
Pour Honey/Ketchup mixture over top of chicken
Place pineapple rings over top of chicken (along w/marrachino cherries
if desired)
Bake in oven at 350 for 45-50 minutes
Cook rice according to package directions

Serve chicken over top of rice
Pick a vegetable of your choice to go with the meal and add a quick salad.

Easy Pork Chops
From Carrie's Kitchen

- 4 Pork Chops
- 1-4 Tbs Brown Sugar
- 1/4-1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tbs Olive Oil
- 1 can Mexicorn
- 1 can Chicken Broth
- 1 package Cornbread Stuffing
- 2 Tbs Butter

Mix 1 Tbs Brown Sugar and 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder and Rub on Pork Chop (I add more brown sugar and garlic powder mixture as needed to coat the pork chops).  Brown pork chops in 1 Tbs of Olive Oil.  Combine 1 can of Mexicorn, 1 can of Chicken Broth, 1 package Cornbread Stuffing, and 2 Tbs of Butter.  Put browned pork chops on top of the mixture and cook on medium heat for 12 minutes (I use my electric skillet for this recipe).

Serve with rolls or cornbread.

Taco Casserole
From Lannette's Kitchen

- 1 lb Hamburger
- Pepper and Onion (optional)
- Taco Seasoning
- 4 cups of Southern-Style Hashbrowns
- 10 oz Frozen Corn
- 1/2 lb Velveeta Cheese

Preheat oven to 350.
Brown 1 lb hamburger with peppers and onions. 
Stir in taco seasoning and water (according to package directions). 
Add 4 cups of Southern-Style Hashbrowns, corn, and Velveeta.  Mix.  Spoon into 9x13.  Cover and Bake 20 minutes.  Stir and Bake uncovered an additional 15 minutes. 

I serve with a salad and sometimes with refried beans.  Enjoy!

Send Me Your Favorites

I would LOVE to make Recipes for the Busy Mom/Dad a weekly topic on my blog so, please feel free to send me an email with some of your favorite, easy recipes to cdheims@yahoo.com.  Not only will I be blogging about them, but I will probably be trying them out in my own kitchen!!

Veteran's Day

This post is dedicated to ALL Veteran's, especially Roy Hook (my grandfather), Bobby Edwards and Braidy Allen.

I wanted to honor and recognize all those who have fought and are fighting for our country in the armed forces.  I have done some research this morning on the origin of Veteran's day and I would like to share that with everyone. 

Veteran's Day is celebrated each year on November 11th.  The date November 11th was chosen because World War I formally ended in the 11th hour of the 11th month of the 11th day of 1918.  Woodrow Wilson declared the first Veteran's Day holiday in 1919 and he was quoted saying, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."  The actual bill making November 11th a holiday was signed by Dwight Eisenhower on May 26, 1954 and on June 1st the word "Armistice" was replaced with "Veteran's".  

Today we are honoring nearly 25 million United States military veterans.  Thank You for your service and may God Bless You Today and Always.

Lovin' The Priceless Moments

When I sat down at my computer this morning I began brainstorming ideas for this blog post.  I felt that all of my ideas were coming up short and then it hit me as I was watching Dillon sing and do the actions to "Itsy Bitsy Spider".  Today, as Thanksgiving approaches, I need to give thanks for the little moments in my life, the moments that I am here for because I have been granted the opportunity to work from home while raising my kids.  I do have those days/moments where I think it would be so nice to go back to work, then I think about all of the priceless moments that I would miss. 

Each of the three kids have their own PRICELESS Moments.

My Little Kaitlyn

 

My Fourth Grader

Kaitlyn is in Fourth Grade already.  She only has EIGHT more years at home and then she will be going out into the world - hopefully to college.  I am incredibly thankful to be at home when she arrives home from school everyday so that I can hear her stories from the day while they are fresh in her mind.  I can drop her off at school and pick her up when the weather is bad.  Her friends can come over on early-outs and I love to hear their laughter as they eat their snacks or play.



My Baby Dillon



My TWO Year Old

Dillon is TWO - he is growing physically and developing mentally each day.  He is a little sponge, picking up on something new each day.  He is almost 100% potty-trained and is incredibly excited about his "unnies" (a.k.a. undies).  I love to watch his eyes light up as he is able to communicate a message with me about even the most simple things.  Then there is our time in the morning when only Mommy will do - he runs out of his room, straight into my arms, and wants his snuggle time with me.  And, last but not least, there are moments that are just adorable, like him singing and acting out "The Itsy Bitsy Spider".



Emy at One Day Old




Sitting at 7 1/2 Months

Emylia is growing so fast.  She is quite the peanut, very different from her siblings.  I am thankful to be able to peak in on her when she is napping - she looks so peaceful in her crib sucking her thumb with her blanket by her face.  When she is playing, she catches me watching her, gives me the biggest toothless grin possible, and melts my heart.  This week marks a couple milestones her in development - first, she has started sitting without the support of her one arm and second, she is crawling on all fours more often than her army crawl.  Before I know it, she will be walking and talking.
These are the moments that make me realize that right now I am exactly where I am supposed to be.  I am supposed to be building my home-business with Ameriplan, watching/helping my kids grow and learn, and being here for them 100% of the time. 

Friday's Special - Recipes for the Busy Mom/Dad

I would like to thank everyone who has been contributing to my Friday blog posts.  I enjoy trying everyone's new recipes and I think that my family is enjoying having new things for suppper as well. 

Here are this Friday's new recipes.  I hope that you enjoy them as well.  All of today's recipes came from Lannette's kitchen.

Farmer's Delight Casserole

1 pkg noodles

1 can corn

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 small can mushrooms

1 lb hamburger fried & drained

Velvetta cheese

Cook package of noodles until limp, drain most of the water off.  Combine noodles, corn, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, mushrooms & hamburger.  Add Velvetta cheese cut into chunks.  (cheese is added on how cheesy your family likes it).  Stir and cover.  Cook at 350° for 30 minutes and serve.

Taco Pie

1lb ground beef

1 can refried beans

¾ c salsa

2tbl taco seasoning

1 tube Crescent rolls

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a 9 or 10 inch pie plate line the crescent rolls to create a crust.  Brown your hamburger, drain off grease, add in salsa, taco seasoning and refried beans ( I used no fat) .  Spoon meat mixture into piecrust, top with shredded cheese.  Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes, until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.  Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, chips or whatever taco fixins you enjoy.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

1 lb package angel hair pasta

2 cans cream of chicken soup

½ soup can of milk

1 lb chicken breast (cut up into small pieces)

3 T butter

Garlic salt to taste

Pepper to taste

4 C cojack cheese

Cook and drain pasta.  Spray 9x13 pan with cooking spray.  Put drained pasta in pan.  Spread 2 cups cheese over pasta.  Put butter, garlic salt, and pepper in a large saucepan.  Add chicken pieces to butter mixture.  Cook until chicken is no longer pink.  Add cream of chicken soup and mil.  Heat through.  Pour mixture over pasta and cheese.  Add remaining 2 cups cheese to the top.  Bake at 375 degrees for one hour.

Send Me Your Favorites

I would LOVE to make Recipes for the Busy Mom/Dad a weekly topic on my blog so, please feel free to send me an email with some of your favorite, easy recipes to cdheims@yahoo.com.  Not only will I be blogging about them, but I will probably be trying them out in my own kitchen!!

Turning the "Terrible Twos" Into a Time for Fun Activities

TERRIBLE TWOS
Dillon turned two in July and it seems like every other word out of my mouth is "NO!".  After nearly four months of saying the same word over and over, I am ready to turn over a new leaf and find some new phrases.  I have decided that the best way to achieve peace in our lives is to begin occupying his time with different, age appropriate activities. 

ACTIVITIES FOR A TWO-YEAR-OLD
Art:  Two-year-olds love to scribble with crayons or chalk.  They love to color pictures, paint, play with play doh, or glue objects to paper creating their own art.

Music:  Two-year-old favorites include playing pat-a-cake, singing simple songs, dancing/acting out movements to music, and banging on the drums or shaking a tambourine. 

Quiet Time Activities:  Your toddler would enjoy sitting down to read and talk about a book, match like objects, put together puzzles, stack/unstack objects, and putting objects together like pop beads or Legos. 

Imaginary Play:  Toddlers should be encouraged to mimic housekeeping activities, dress-up, talk on toy telephones, and/or play with dolls.

Active:  Jumping, running, climbing, crawling, ball throwing/kicking and anything to do with moving are toddler favorites and a fair amount of active play should be encouraged each and every day!  If you live in a cold weather climate, build things with pillows, blankets, boxes, etc for your toddler to climb on, in, or through inside to get rid of some of your two-year-old's excess energy. 

One Other Idea
Changing your two-year-olds scenery and changing out toys every week or two can really help keep your toddler entertained longer.  Having two or three separate bins for toys and only bringing them out one at a time can create the illusion of having NEW toys.  Moving from the toy room to their bedroom for hours will give them a "new and different" place to play.  Each of these things can ease their boredom.

Wonderful Toddler Years
Keeping your two-year-old busy with age appropriate activities for the right amount of time should really help turn things around for you and give you the freedom to teach them positive two to three word phrases.  Won't "Great Job." and "You are such a BIG BOY." be better phrases than "NO!" 24/7.  I am looking forward to hearing my son start repeating all of the positive things that I say!